Buyers Guide: Best Performance Convertibles for 2023

Convertibles are a popular component of the automobile sector, and for good reason. These open-top vehicles elevate the thrill of a drive in a way fixed-top body styles can’t match.

Performance convertibles dial up the experience by several notches thanks to the combination of a powerful engine under the hood and optimized aerodynamic designs.

Thankfully, there is no shortage of options for these kinds of vehicles on offer today, and here, we spotlight some of the standouts.

1. BMW M4
2. Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
3. Mercedes-AMG SL63
4. Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet
5. Bentley Continental GT
6. Ford Mustang GT Premium
7. Ferrari Roma Spider
8. Chevrolet C8 Corvette
9. Aston Martin DBS Volante
10. Mazda MX-5 Miata

BMW M4

Image Credit: Top Gear

Specifications

• MSRP: $90,695 USD /  $124,420 CAD
• Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-6
• Power / Torque: 503 hp /  479 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 3.6 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 16 MPG (City) /  23 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 4 years /  50,000 miles (80,000 km)

Our Take

The sleek lines of the M4 convertible help soften the impact of the massive kidney grille up front. Polarizing looks aside, the M4 convertible is actually a very capable performance machine with impressive handling, plenty of horsepower under the hood and premium interior finishing.

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Image Credit: CarBuzz

Specifications

• MSRP: $75,695 USD /  $103,840 CAD
• Engine: 6.2-litre supercharged V8
• Power / Torque: 650 hp /  650 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: RWD
• 0-60 mph: 3.4 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 13 MPG (City) /  21 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 3 years /  36,000 miles (60,000 km)

Our Take

The Camaro is on its last legs, with the carmaker having confirmed that 2024 will be the final Model year. However, the Camaro ZL1 trim will ensure that the model goes out with a bang. The ZL1 gets the most powerful iteration of the Camaro’s V8, and the convertible variant further dials up the driving experience. Toss in the optional 1LE Performance Package, and you’ve got a hardcore racer for the street.

Mercedes AMG SL63

Image Credit: AutoTrader

Specifications

• MSRP: starts at $184,050 USD /  $252,488 CAD
• Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8
• Power / Torque: 577 hp /  590 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 3.0 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 14 MPG (City) /  22 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 4 years /  50,000 miles (80,000 km)

Our Take

The Mercedes-AMG SL was completely refreshed for the 2022 model year with an eye-catching design and a punchy V8 under the hood. The SL-Class is topped by the formidable 577-hp SL63. However, even the lower trims have plenty to offer, with an adequate power setup, an abundance of tech and top-notch luxury trimmings.

Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet

Image Credit: Fastest Laps

Specifications

• MSRP: $243,200 USD /  $333,630 CAD
• Engine: 3.7-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six
• Power / Torque: 640 hp /  590 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 2.7 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 15 MPG (City) /  20 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 4 years /  50,000 miles (80,000 km)

Our Take

There are over twenty variants of the iconic 911, with sensational performance spread across the entire lineup. However, if you can afford it, you might as well go for the range-topping 911 Turbo S. It’s easy enough to be a daily driver but also packs rarefied supercar levels of power and handling.

Bentley Continental GT

Image Credit: CarBuzz

Specifications

• MSRP: starts at $261,925 USD /  $359,320 CAD
• Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 (optional W12 available)
• Power / Torque: 542 hp /  568 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: AWD
• 0-60 mph: 3.4 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 15 MPG (City) /  22 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 3 years /  Unlimited mileage

Our Take

The Continental GT was designed to be more of a grand tourer than a true performance machine. It boasts Bentley’s trademark attention to detail, luxurious appointments all through and a wealth of customization options through its bespoke program. However, the Continental GT can also deliver agile performances under a heavy throttle foot, thanks to its V8 or W12 engine options.

Ford Mustang GT Premium

Image Credit: Edmunds

Specifications

• MSRP: $41,570 USD /  $57,030 CAD
• Engine: 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8
• Power / Torque: 460 hp /  420 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: RWD
• 0-60 mph: 4.2 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 15 MPG (City) /  23 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 3 years /  36,000 miles (60,000 km)

Our Take

Now in its seventh generation, America’s beloved muscle car shows no signs of slowing down. The current iteration of the Mustang shines with a modern exterior design, updated cabin space and plenty of performance. The Mustang is also available in a variety of trim levels and engine options, making it appealing to an even broader customer category.

Ferrari Roma Spider

Image Credit: Top Gear

Specifications

• MSRP: $277,970 USD /  $381,331 CAD
• Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8
• Power / Torque: 612 hp /  561 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: RWD
• 0-60 mph: 3.3 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 17 MPG (City) /  22 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 3 years /  Unlimited mileage

Our Take

The Ferrari Roma Spider is proof of Ferrari’s ability to fuse performance and cutting-edge technology with elegant designs. The supercar’s hardtop retracts in seconds, allowing for a seamless transition between coupe-like rigidity and the thrilling sensation in your hair.

Chevrolet C8 Corvette

Image Credit: CarBuzz

Specifications

• MSRP: starts at $72,000 USD /  $98,772 CAD
• Engine: 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8
• Power / Torque: 490 hp /  470 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: RWD
• 0-60 mph: 3.0 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 16 MPG (City) /  24 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 3 years /  36,000 miles (60,000 km)

Our Take

Chevrolet took a high-stakes risk with the C8 Corvette, moving the engine from the front to just behind the passenger compartment. It’s a decision that’s paid off massively, transforming the Corvette into a wildly popular beast with vastly improved handling and supercar performance. Then there’s the bold styling looks and affordable price tag, making the C8 Corvette a very tempting alternative for those who cannot afford the thoroughbred Italian and British supercars.

Aston Martin DBS Volante

Image Credit: Sunday Times Driving

Specifications

• MSRP: $352,886 USD /  $484,105 CAD
• Engine: 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12
• Power / Torque: 715 hp /  663 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: RWD
• 0-60 mph: 3.4 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 14 MPG (City) /  22 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 3 years /  Unlimited mileage

Our Take

The Aston Martin DBS is one of the most elegantly styled modern Grand Tourers on the market today. The Volante, with a folded soft top, looks even classier. The design is one of Aston Martin’s strongest points. However, a comfortable interior, ideal for long cruises, and a powerful V12 under the hood are also factors that make the DBS a standout performance convertible.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Image Credit: Motor1 

Specifications

• MSRP: starts at $29,215 USD /  $40,078 CAD
• Engine: 2.0-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder
• Power / Torque: 181 hp /  151 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: RWD
• 0-60 mph: 5.7 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 26 MPG (City) / 35 MPG (Highway)
• Basic Warranty: 3 years /  36,000 miles (60,000 km)

Our Take

The MX-5 Miata is one of the least powerful cars in its class. However, the tiny sports car relies less on its power output and more on its crisp handling and agile steering to deliver the kind of intense driving experience the car is known for. It is a winning formula that’s kept the car in production for over three decades and is the reason why the MX-5 Miata still has a strong cult following today.